What is Hardware

1st question which arise in our mind what is Hardware & what is Software? 
Answer is simple , In information technology (IT) Hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications & other devices
In other words simply the physical parts of a computer is called hardware , Like Motherboard, RAM, Hard disk, etc. these hardware when inter connected with each other they create a platform where logical part (software) of the computer runs. Without physical part logical part can't work.Both the physical parts & logical parts when work together called computer.

Physical parts of computer :-

1. Motherboard
2. Processor
3. RAM
4. Hard disk
5. SMPS
6. Optical Drive
7. Display Devices.

1))  Motherboard :-

  A motherboard is the main Printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer. This Board is central communications backbone connectivity point, through which all components & external peripherals connect.

Motherboards are classified by their design Like : ATX, Micro ATX, NLX, BTX.

I} ATX(Advance Technology Extended)

The ATX motherboard has the processor & memory slots at right angles to the expansion cards. This arrangement puts the processor & memory in line with the fan output of the power supply, allowing the processor to run cooler & because those components are not in line with the expansion cards, you can install full-length expansion cards in an ATX motherboard machine.

2)) Micro ATX

One design that is designed to work in standard ATX cases, as well as its own smaller cases, is known as Micro ATX.

3)) NLX (New Low - Profile Extended)

An alternative motherboard design known as New Low-Profile Extended (NLX), is used in some Low - Profile case types, NLX continues the trend of the technology it succeeded. Low profile Extended (LPX), placing the expansion slots ISA, PCI & so on.

4)) BTX (Balanced Technology Extended)

In 2003, Intel announced its design for a new motherboard, stated to hit the market mid - late - 2004 when that time came, the new BTX motherboard was met with mixed reactions.

There are other motherboard designs,but these are the most popular designs.

Types of motherboard :-

There are two types of motherboards

1//  Non integrated motherboard :-

    Each major assembly is installed in the computer as an expansion card. Now a days it is difficult to find a non integrated motherboard. Non integrated motherboards are used in early 1990s.

2// Integrated motherboard :-

  Most of the components that would otherwise be installed as expansion cards are integrated into the motherboard circuitry. Integrated motherboards were designed for simplicity. These motherboards are cheaper to produce, more expensive to repair.

Here we will discuss about Integrated motherboards:

Motherboard components.

• Chipsets
• Expansion slots & buses
• Memory slots & external cache
• CPU & processor slots or sockets
• Power connectors
• On-board disk drive connectors
• Key board connectors
• Peripheral ports & connectors
• BIOS
• CMOS battery
• Jumpers & DIP switches
• Firm ware